Vitamin E

Other names
Synopsis
Uses: Health Conditions
Uses: Body Systems
Products

Other names

Alpha-Tocopherol
Mixed Tocopherols
Tocotrienols

Synopsis

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds with antioxidant properties, which protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. The most active form of vitamin E in the body is alpha-tocopherol, though the vitamin also includes other tocopherols and tocotrienols, all of which contribute to its health benefits. Vitamin E is primarily found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Its antioxidant effects are particularly valuable in protecting cells from damage caused by environmental factors like pollution, UV radiation, and toxins, which can contribute to aging and chronic diseases.

Vitamin E plays several essential roles in the body, including immune support, skin health, wound healing, and cellular function. It is important for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes, protecting fatty acids from oxidation, and supporting the cardiovascular system by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), a major contributor to atherosclerosis. Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration.

Additionally, vitamin E is used in topical formulations for skin care due to its ability to promote healing, reduce scars, and improve skin texture. It is commonly added to moisturizers, sunscreens, and anti-aging products for its protective and restorative effects.

Historical Use:
Vitamin E was first discovered in the 1920s by researchers Horton and Evans, who identified its essential role in reproduction and cell function. They initially isolated it from wheat germ oil and named it "tocopherol," derived from the Greek words "tokos" (birth) and "phero" (to bear), reflecting its role in fertility.

Before its scientific discovery, the health benefits of vitamin E-rich foods, such as vegetable oils and nuts, were indirectly recognized. The importance of dietary fat and its link to reproductive health had been observed in many cultures, where the consumption of fatty foods, particularly from plant sources, was associated with better overall vitality and fertility.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), foods that supported blood health and circulation—such as nuts, seeds, and oily plant-based foods—were valued for their nourishing effects. These foods indirectly provided the fat-soluble vitamins that are now understood to promote skin health and immune function.

The discovery of vitamin E’s antioxidant properties in the mid-20th century revolutionized its role in preventive medicine. As research expanded, it became recognized not just for its reproductive and immune benefits but for its broader protective effects on cellular health and aging. By the 1980s and 1990s, vitamin E began to be widely promoted as a dietary supplement for cardiovascular health and skin care.

Today, vitamin E is a central part of preventive health strategies, especially for those looking to protect cardiovascular health, improve skin aging, and combat oxidative stress. It remains one of the most well-known antioxidant vitamins and is widely used in both supplements and topical products aimed at promoting health and wellness.

Uses: Health Conditions

Acne (Traditional)
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Traditional)
Age Spots (Traditional)
Aging (prevention) (Traditional)
Alzheimer's Disease (Traditional)
Aneurysm (Traditional)
Angina (Traditional)
Arteriosclerosis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Traditional)
Autoimmune Disorders (Traditional)
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Blisters (Traditional)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Science)
Breast Lumps (Traditional)
Breasts (enhance size) (Traditional)
Breasts (swelling and tenderness) (Traditional)
Cataracts (Traditional)
Cellulite (Traditional)
Cervical Dysplasia (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (low) (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Circulation (to the brain) (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Cold Hands and Feet (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Dysmenorrhea (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Electromagnetic Pollution (Traditional)
Endometriosis (Traditional)
Epilepsy (Traditional)
Erectile Dysfunction (Traditional)
Estrogen (low) (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Eyes (red or itching) (Traditional)
Eyes (spots before) (Traditional)
Eyesight (poor) (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Traditional)
Fatty Tumors or Deposits (Traditional)
Fingernails (weak or brittle) (Traditional)
Fleas (Traditional)
Floaters (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Traditional)
Frostbite (prevention) (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gall Stones (Traditional)
Gangrene (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Glaucoma (Traditional)
Goiter (Traditional)
Grave's Disease (Traditional)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Traditional)
Hair Care (general) (Traditional)
Hangover (Traditional)
Hashimoto's Disease (Traditional)
Hearing Loss (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations (Traditional)
Heart Valves (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Hernias (Traditional)
Hot Flashes (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Hypothyroid (Traditional)
Infertility (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Insect Repellant (Traditional)
Itching (Traditional)
Itching Ears (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Lesions (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Macular Degeneration (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Menorrhagia (Traditional)
Night Blindness (Traditional)
Phlebitis (Traditional)
Poisoning (general) (Traditional)
Radiation Sickness (Traditional)
Scars / Scar Tissue (Traditional)
Skin (dry and/or flaky) (Traditional)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Stretch Marks (Traditional)
Strokes (Traditional)
Sunburn (Traditional)
Surgery (healing from) (Traditional)
Thrombosis (Traditional)

Body Systems

Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Breasts (Traditional)
Capillaries (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Estrogen (Traditional)
Eyes (Traditional)
Hair (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Muscles (Traditional)
Nails (Traditional)
Ovaries (Traditional)
Progesterone (Traditional)
Prostaglandins (Traditional)
Prostate (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Senses (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)

Products containing this ingredient

Health Concerns

Brands